Membership Benefits
ASMP was formed at a time when photographers were forced to shoot on speculation and credit lines had not yet been established. The organization was born out of need, and that need has driven it for more than half a century leading to the many benefits to its members.
The ASMP has three primary purposes:
1. To protect and promote the interests of photographers whose work is for publication.
2. To promote high professional standards and ethics.
3. To cultivate friendship and mutual understanding among photographers.
Additional Benefits:
Find a Photographer (FAP) – A listing for Professional members on the widely promoted and accessible Web site, www.asmp.org.
Special Interest Activities – Networking is a major benefit of ASMP membership. Traveling seminars, workshops, and peer discussions held at our 40 chapters provide the opportunity to meet with your peers to discuss issues of concern and to exchange information.
Specialty Group Listserves for business and technical discussions for example: ASMP/Architecture Specialty Group.
Prestige – ASMP’s select group of photographers are respected by clients, prospects, and peers. The ASMP logo on your business card identifies you as one of the best in the profession.
Education – ASMP is committed to education through its publications, Web site, and programs.
Member News, Advisories, and Alerts – Important news and developments affecting your business are frequently e-mailed to you and posted on www.asmp.org.
Judicial, Legislative, and Regulatory Advocacy – ASMP supports photographer’s rights and actively engages in precedent-setting cases.
Contract Review – Contracts analysis and advice for both groups and for individuals.
Consultations – ASMP’s staff and legal counsel are always available to answer your questions and address your problems.
Discounts – Enjoy selected discounts on Photo District News products and services, Web servers, car rentals, air courier services, office supplies, and many other products and services.
Online Resources – Access the White Papers, Special Alerts and Tips, and the ASMP Business Practices Guide, the acknowledged industry standard for information on business practices and copyright.
Insurance – ASMP pioneered the development of Prosurance, a liability and property insurance policy developed exclusively for professional photographers.
ASMP is always working to improve and expand these benefits: life, comprehensive medical, major medical, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability insurance. ASMP Press and/ or ID Card – This card identifies you as a working, professional photographer.
Membership Categories
Professional Member
Professional Membership is reserved for still and motion photographers of good moral character and reputation who have been actively and consistently engaged in professional practice for at least 3 years. Applicants must be sponsored by two ASMP Professional Members, and receive three free portfolios in ASMP’s searchable database, Find a Photographer. Membership Cost: $29.76/month or $335/year, plus a one-time $50 FindaPhotographer setup fee Join by filling out the application form online.
Associate Member
Still and motion photographers with less than 3 years of consistent professional experience, as well as professional assistants, digital techs, retouchers, CGI artists or any other associated imaging professional who does not meet the criteria for the Professional Member category, may join ASMP as an Associate Member. Membership Cost: $19.99/month or $225.00/year Join by filling out the application form online.
Emerging Associate
Still and motion photographers, as well as professional assistants, digital techs, retouchers, CGI artists or any other associated imaging professionals, who are just starting out may participate in a one-year Emerging Associate membership category. At the end of one year, Emerging Associate Members are automatically raised to Associate Membership. Sponsorship is not required for Emerging Associate Membership. Emerging Associate Members may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter. Membership cost: $12.44/month or $140.00/year Join by filling out the application form online.
Studio Group – NEW in 2018
Photographic and artist studios can now join as a group and receive a substantial discount off individual member rates! A Studio Group consists of one Professional ASMP member and between two and ten Associate Members. When you join as a group, Professional Member rates remain at $335 per year, but Associate member rates are discounted from $225 to $150 per member per year!Your Studio Group’s Professional member will have access to the Find A Photographer tool and be able to establish a Portfolio that can include the Studio Group’s work. This is a great way to feature ALL the expertise your studio brings.To register your studio as a Studio Group, download and complete the Studio Form and scan and email to info@asmp.org. Please include “Group Membership” in the subject line of your email. We’ll need to capture contact information for each of your group members so please have all the info ready before contacting us. You can also call Member Services at 1-877-771-ASMP (2767) if you prefer to provide your credit card info over the phone.
Student Associate
Students majoring in photography or related imaging professions at a college or post-secondary level are eligible for Student Associate membership. After completing a degree program, Student Associates may upgrade immediately or remain at this level for three additional years. Sponsorship is not required for Student Associate Membership. Student Associates may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter. Student applicants must annually submit proof of enrollment. Proof of enrollment will be obtained during the online checkout process. You will need to provide the below information:
- Name of school
- Your student ID number
Membership cost: $45/year.
Educator Associate
Educators who do not operate a professional still or motion photography business (and therefore do not qualify for Professional Membership) are eligible for Educator Associate membership. Sponsorship is not required for Educator Associate Membership. Educator Associates may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter. Educator applicants must annually submit proof of employment. Proof of employment will be obtained during the online checkout process. You will need to provide the below information:
- Name of school
- Your titleIf you have any questions, please contact the member services department: asmp@vpassociations.com
Membership cost: $95/year or $8.44/Month
Join by filling out the application form online.
Student/Educator Group – NEW in 2018
Universities can now join with an entire class of students as a Student Group and receive a substantial discount off individual member rates! A Student Group consists of one Educator Associate Member and between five and fifteen Student Associate Members. When you join as a group, Educator Associate Member rates will be discounted from $95 to $90 per year, and Student member rates are discounted from $45 to just $40 per member per year!
All members of your University Student Group will have a login to the ASMP site and therefore have access to all the industry and business materials that ASMP has been collecting for decades.
To register your studio as a University Student Group, download and complete the University Form and scan and email to info@asmp.org.
Please include “Group Membership” in the subject line of your email. We’ll need to capture contact information on each of your group members so please have all the info ready before contacting us. You can also call Member Services at 1-877-771-ASMP (2767) if you prefer to provide your credit card info over the phone.
Individual Affiliate
Individuals who support, hire or supply services to photographers and do not qualify for any other category of membership may join as Individual Affiliate Members. Sponsorship is not required for Individual Affiliate Membership. Individual Affiliate Members may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter.
Membership cost: $19.99/month or $225.00/year
Join by filling out the application form online.